357: 686, 27 or Redhawk

[MMH]

Looking for a 357. Would have a 6" barrel. I have always been partial to S&W & would want a 686 or 27. Would look for an older one (firing pin in hammer) so for a 686 a -4 & not sure on a 27. Did they ever make a 'older' 627 if not would stick w/ a blued 27. If cannot find an older one for a reasonable price, would consider a Redhawk.

Would use the gun for field plinking (try to imitate Hickok45). Would shoot stout loads but nothing crazy. With that being said, opinions on the 627, 686 & Redhawk please!

[Xringshooter]

For pure brute strength, go with the Redhawk (if you can find one). S&W makes a fine handgun but they won't handle a lot of stout loads like the Redhawk (or even the GP100 which is actually closer to the size of the 686, a "L" frame.) The Model 27 is bigger as it is an "N" frame so it would sort of equate to a Redhawk size wise. That said, if you will not be shooting a lot of stout (hot) loads the 686 or 27 will do you fine. The Redhawk or GP100 might be a tad less expensive.

[Pizza Bob]

Don't forget the venerable S&W Model 28 - the Chevrolet to the 27's Cadillac.

My 4", S serial number, Model 28 w/ elk stag grips by Ken Driskill



Adios,

Pizza Bob

[Ronin]

Get a GP100 with a 6" barrel. Used ones tend to be less expensive than their S&W counterparts because not a lot folks like the longer barrels.

[zachomega]

Looking for a 357. Would have a 6" barrel. I have always been partial to S&W & would want a 686 or 27. Would look for an older one (firing pin in hammer) so for a 686 a -4 & not sure on a 27. Did they ever make a 'older' 627 if not would stick w/ a blued 27. If cannot find an older one for a reasonable price, would consider a Redhawk.

Would use the gun for field plinking (try to imitate Hickok45). Would shoot stout loads but nothing crazy. With that being said, opinions on the 627, 686 & Redhawk please!

I have 2 686's. One is 4" and the other 6" (was my first gun too).

I use the 4" model more now just because it is in better condition and thus i feel safer using it.

Shooting Magnum loads out of the longer barrel is really not unpleasant.

I'm not sure what you have against the frame mounted firing pin. Both setups work fine. And supposedly the hammer mounted firing pins are more fragile (although i have never had an issue either way).

I get more annoyed by the internal lock and round butt. But I've got big hands so i like those big old checkered target grips. They also make conversion grips up go from round to square butt. I have them on the 4" and they feel great.

I've never owned a Ruger revolver, but i hear great things.

-Zach

[Nickel Plated]

I'm partial to the 27, old or new, they're both great. Just picked up a new one 2 days ago. Not a fan of full underlugs. Although I guess this one is pretty close to it. I just couldn't resist the look of that tapered barre.
20200915-134645.jpg

They seem to do fine in competition. If it wears out, lifetime warranty. Send it in and it'll be good as new. Some competitions shooters go through multiple rebuilds on theirs and still running fine.

[Brick]

get a 627 you'll be very happy with 8 shot moonclips! I have the 627 Pro with 4" barrel. I couldn't be happier with it!

[abner13]

.357 Redhawks have been out of production for years and bring very high prices. I may have a 6 1/2" barrel S&W Model 27-2. 3-T's for sale if yer interested.

[slickracer]

A Redhawk is not in the same league as a 27

[jthrelf]

8 shot Redhawk... More lead is more better